Prior to the setback, “No Time” had put together a five-fight win streak which saw him earn impressive stoppage victories over Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa.

Meanwhile, Anthony Smith has gone 2-0 since moving up to light heavyweight. “Lionheart” has scored first-round finishes over former division champions Rashad Evans and Mauricio Rua during that stretch.

“The Russian Hammer” will enter the contest having dropped four of his past six fights. Lobov’s most recent victory came at UFC Fight Night 99 in Ireland where he defeated Teruto Ishihara via unanimous decision.

Meanwhile, Michael Johnson was last seen in action at August’s UFC Fight Night 135 event where he scored a split-decision victory over Andre Fili.

That victory snapped a three fight losing skid for “The Menace”, as Johnson has previously suffered defeats to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Darren Elkins and Justin Gaethje respectively.

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